Flamingos Sink Puerto Rico 2-0 as Nigeria Prepare for North Korea Showdown

Nigeria’s Flamingos have taken a significant step towards advancing at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after defeating Puerto Rico 2-0 in their Group B encounter in Rabat on Tuesday.

The Nigerian youngsters, bronze medallists at the 2022 tournament, secured the victory with a goal in each half, giving their campaign a timely boost ahead of Friday’s potentially decisive clash against North Korea.

Striker Oluwakemi Adegbuyi opened the scoring in the 25th minute, finishing off a pass from Queen Joseph to reward Nigeria’s bright start.

The Flamingos dominated the early exchanges, using quick passing and forward runs to unsettle Puerto Rico’s defence. Adegbuyi’s goal further strengthened Nigeria’s control of the contest as the first half wore on.

Nigeria continued to push for a second goal after the restart, with Queen Joseph, Tosin Rafiu and Favour Nkwocha among the players who threatened the opposition’s backline.

Puerto Rico made tactical changes in an attempt to fight back, but head coach Hakeem Busari also adjusted his side to maintain its attacking momentum.

Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku were introduced in the 67th minute as the Flamingos stepped up their efforts to extend their lead.

Their persistence finally paid off in the 90th minute. Substitute Precious Oscar rose to head home a cross from Kemi Adegbuyi, sealing Nigeria’s 2-0 triumph.

The Flamingos remained disciplined during six minutes of added time to preserve their clean sheet and collect maximum points.

Elsewhere in Group B, North Korea thrashed Poland 6-1, underlining the challenge awaiting Nigeria in their next fixture on Friday.

With the victory over Puerto Rico secured, the Flamingos will head into the North Korea encounter with renewed confidence, knowing the result could prove crucial to their hopes of reaching the next stage of the tournament.

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